Questions about Insurance?

If you have dental insurance and are concerned about coverage do not hesitate to reach out to our friendly staff. Our team here at Gentle Dental will help you with any payment or insurance questions you may have and will work closely with you to help you get the most out of your dental plan.

About Payment

Gentle Dental aims to be as gentle on your wallet as our dentists are when providing treatment. Our professional staff will help you get the most from your dental insurance benefits and explain any deductibles and co-pays to you.

The Gentle Dental Smile Plan

The Gentle Dental Smile Plan is perfect if you don’t have dental insurance and offers significant savings. The plan has no waiting period, involves no paperwork, and covers all pre-existing conditions.

You can enroll as an individual, couple or family and receive significant discounts on preventative services including exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and x-rays, as well as a host of other dental services. All other services including specialty care such as extractions, root canals, and orthodontics are discounted 20% from our list prices.

The Smile Plan is effective immediately and there are no claim forms to fill out and no maximums. Seniors 62 and older receive additional discounts on enrollment fees and parents can keep children on their family plan until age 26.

Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for everyone to obtain quality dental care at an affordable price.

Flexible Financing

We understand that you don’t always have the cash at hand, that’s why we accept most major credit cards and offer flexible financing options which can be helpful if you require more extensive work, orthodontics, or cosmetic procedures that aren’t covered by insurance. These plans can offer:

Low down payment and no interest1

No money down and no interest2

Extended terms up to 48 months at 14.9% promotional interest rates3

We want to make paying for dental services as easy as possible. For more information, call us toll-free at 1-800-GENTLE1 to get in touch with the Gentle Dental Office in your neighborhood.

On approved credit. For promotional purchases over $300 if paid in full within promotional period. If promotional purchase is not paid in full within promotional period, interest will be imposed from the date of purchase at 26.99% APR.

On approved credit. For promotional purchases over $1,000. Fixed monthly payments based on repayment over 24, 36, or 48 month period.

New Patients

$100 Off

New patients only. On services of $300 or greater not covered by insurance.

To Know Us Is To Love Us

Dedicated to patient well-being, our team goes above and beyond to create a comfortable, soothing environment that inspires confidence and relaxation. Leveraging the latest in techniques and technologies, our team provides comprehensive care, including preventive treatments and restorative procedures, crowns and bridges, root canal therapy, inlays and onlays, dental implants, pediatric dentistry, bone augmentation and various types of oral surgery.

Because we know many patients are uncomfortable with the appearance of their teeth, we also offer orthodontics, veneers and teeth whitening treatments, designed to make you proud of your smile. Whether you or your family needs dental care, you can count on Gentle Dental Kirkland for professional treatment, whatever your age, whatever your dental issue.

To make quality dental care accessible for everyone, our office accepts the vast majority of major dental plans, while offering a price-reduction options for patients without insurance coverage. If you or a family member needs extensive dental treatments, orthodontics or cosmetic treatments, we can provide flexible financing options, so you can split your costs into affordable monthly payments. We even offer a Dedicated Dental Plan, which provides major discounts for preventative and diagnostic care and almost all dental treatments. With our flexible payment options, there’s simply no reason for anyone to go without quality dental care for themselves and their families.

Situated in the medical plaza at the southwest of Northeast 132nd Street and U.S. Interstate 405, Kirkland Gentle Dental is your one-stop source for expert dental care. Call our friendly staff to schedule a cleaning, consultation or gentle dental treatment and enjoy quality service from a friendly team of professionals who always take a patient-first approach to dental care.

Meet The Team

WHO WE ARE

Aravind Buddula

Aravind Buddula

D.M.D., M.D.S., M.S. Periodontist

About Me
Dr. Aravind Buddula’s father, a pediatric surgeon, served as his initial inspiration and played a key role in shaping his career. He loves treating his patients and giving them the gentle care they need for great oral health. Delivering periodontal services at multiple Gentle Dental offices throughout the Seattle region, he brings a wide range of knowledge and experience to each patient’s care.

His love for his profession is reflected in his achievements. While studying Dentistry at a top dental school in his home country of India, Dr. Buddula received an award from the International College of Dentists for achieving the highest marks in Prosthodontics. He furthered his education with a Masters of Dental Surgery in Periodontics from the College of Dental Surgery in Manipal, India. He went on to pursue a Certificate in Public Health at the Oklahoma University of Health Sciences in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He then attained his D.M.D degree at Tufts School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Buddula made the Dean’s Honor Roll for his exemplary performance on the National Dental Board examination, and was selected by the world-renowned Mayo Clinic to complete his Fellowship in Periodontology and Masters in Biomedical Sciences. His work there earned him the Dental Student Award for outstanding achievements from the American Academy of Periodontology. Especially interested in implant surgery, he has multiple articles on this topic in international, peer-reviewed journals, and his papers have been accepted for presentations at various national and international conferences. He is a member of the American Academy of Periodontology and American Dental Association.

Recognizing that patient care and understanding are the essence of any health profession, Dr.Buddula has genuine love and concern for his patients. This fact was acknowledged when he was placed amongst the best periodontists in patient care at the Mayo Clinic, based exclusively upon the positive patient feedbacks he received.

In his spare time, Dr.Buddula enjoys watching movies and playing cricket. He is fluent in English, Telugu and Hindi.

Affiliations

Camelia Espahbod

Camelia Espahbod

DDS, MSD, Board Certified Orthodontist

About Me

Dr. Esphabod’s patients are her first priority and it is her sincere desire to serve them to the very best of her ability. She is careful to make certain that their needs and wishes are being met and that she pays very close attention to all their concerns. As an orthodontist, with her strong general dentistry background, Dr. Espahbod has been able to diagnose patients in multiple aspects of dentistry and work effectively with other dentists and specialists when needed.

Dr. Espahbod received her Dental Degree from the Bogomolets National Medical University Dental School in Kiev. She received her M.S.D. in Oral Medicine from the University of Washington and her Certificate in Orthodontics from the NYU College of Dentistry. She’s a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Board of Orthodontics, the American Dental Association and the Washington State Dental Association. She also speaks Russian and Persian.

In her spare time, Dr. Espahbod enjoys swimming, cycling, running and skiing along with reading and cooking. She loves to travel and spend time with her family and friends.

My Credentials

Education

D.D.S.–Bogomolets National Medical University Dental School
M.S.D., Oral Medicine–University of Washington
Certificate of Orthodontics–NYU College of Dentistry

Affiliations

American Association of Orthodontists American Board of Orthodontics American Dental Association Washington State Dental Association

Sarah Lawson

Sarah Lawson

Stan Lin

Stan Lin

D.D.S. Endodontist

About Me

Raised in the Pacific Northwest, Dr. Lin, a published author in the Endodontic field, is proud of the work he has performed on his patients and is committed to providing the highest standard of quality and care.

Dr. Lin earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Puget Sound, in Tacoma, before obtaining his D.D.S. from New York University College of Dentistry with honors. Upon graduation from dental school, he relocated to Hawaii to complete an Advanced Education in General Dentistry certificate through the Lutheran Medical Center and he remained in the islands and practiced as a general dentist for 3 years before beginning his post doctorate Endodontic residency. He received his Endodontic Certificate from the prestigious Oregon Health & Science University. He also speaks Mandarin and Taiwanese.

Dr. Lin enjoys playing with his dog, paddle boarding, hiking, and traveling to unique places such as Antarctica with his wife.

Education

B.S., Economics–University of Puget Sound
D.D.S.–New York University School of Dental Medicine
Advanced Education in General Dentistry certificate from Lutheran Medical Center
Endodontics Certificate–Oregon Health & Science University

Affiliations

American Association of Endodontists
American Dental Association
Hawaii Dental Association

Thanmaya Vadi

Thanmaya Vadi

D.D.S., B.D.S., M.P.H. General Dentist

Dr. Vadi says, “Patient care is my first concern. I enjoy helping my patients develop comfortable and confident smiles as I nurture trusting relationships with them. I believe that your oral health has a profound impact on your overall well-being. I really appreciate how the teamwork at Gentle Dental allows me to concentrate on helping patients.”

She received her Dental Degree from the University of Washington School of Dentistry. She also was awarded her Masters in Public Health from California State University, Northridge. She also completed a one year fellowship in Public Health helping children with neurodevelopmental disorders at Los Angeles Children’s Hospital. To keep up with evolving technology, she’s a member of the American Dental Association and the Washington State Dental Association. Dr. Vadi is also fluent in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.

Away from the office, Dr. Vadi enjoys spending time with her family. She enjoys cooking and watching movies.

Education

B.D.S., Dental Surgery– Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals
D.D.S.–University of Washington School of Dentistry
M.P.H. (Masters in Public Health)–Cal State Northridge

Affiliations

Academy of General Dentistry
Washington State Dental Association

Aravind Buddula https://www.interdent.com/gentle-dental/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/07/Buddula_Aravind.jpg D.M.D., M.D.S., M.S. Periodontist Dr. Aravind Buddula’s father, a pediatric surgeon, served as his initial inspiration and played a key role in shaping his career. He loves treating his patients and giving them the gentle care they need for great oral health. Delivering periodontal services at multiple Gentle Dental offices throughout the Seattle region, he brings a wide range of knowledge and experience to each patient’s care.

His love for his profession is reflected in his achievements. While studying Dentistry at a top dental school in his home country of India, Dr. Buddula received an award from the International College of Dentists for achieving the highest marks in Prosthodontics. He furthered his education with a Masters of Dental Surgery in Periodontics from the College of Dental Surgery in Manipal, India. He went on to pursue a Certificate in Public Health at the Oklahoma University of Health Sciences in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He then attained his D.M.D degree at Tufts School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Buddula made the Dean’s Honor Roll for his exemplary performance on the National Dental Board examination, and was selected by the world-renowned Mayo Clinic to complete his Fellowship in Periodontology and Masters in Biomedical Sciences. His work there earned him the Dental Student Award for outstanding achievements from the American Academy of Periodontology. Especially interested in implant surgery, he has multiple articles on this topic in international, peer-reviewed journals, and his papers have been accepted for presentations at various national and international conferences. He is a member of the American Academy of Periodontology and American Dental Association.

Recognizing that patient care and understanding are the essence of any health profession, Dr.Buddula has genuine love and concern for his patients. This fact was acknowledged when he was placed amongst the best periodontists in patient care at the Mayo Clinic, based exclusively upon the positive patient feedbacks he received.

In his spare time, Dr.Buddula enjoys watching movies and playing cricket. He is fluent in English, Telugu and Hindi.

Education

Affiliations

American Dental Association
American Academy of Periodontology

Tripti Pawar https://www.interdent.com/gentle-dental/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/07/Pawar_Tripti.jpg B.D.S., M.S.D. Orthodontist Dentistry runs in her family–she is a 3rd generation dentist! She loves the idea of a career that could help people in such an important way. It is not just about straightening the teeth, it’s about creating a beautiful and confident smile. She says “the satisfaction and confidence on my patients faces when the orthodontic treatment is completed is priceless.” She loves to make them smile!

Dr. Pawar received her dental degree from the University of Sydney School of Dentistry. She later was awarded her M.S.D. and her Certificate in Orthodontics from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry. She is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists. She speaks Hindi, too.

Away from the office, Dr. Pawar and her family enjoy snowboarding and hiking.

Education

B.D.S.-University of Sydney School of Dentistry
M.S.D.-University of the Pacific School of Dentistry
Certificate in Orthodontics–University of the Pacific School of Dentistry

Affiliations

American Association of Orthodontists
Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists
California Association of Orthodontists
American Dental Association

Patrick Wang https://www.interdent.com/gentle-dental/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/07/Wang_Patrick.jpg D.D.S., M.D. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Dr. Wang says, “Having a great smile is important and makes a huge impact during first impressions. I like to be able to make a positive difference in a patient’s life.” Sometimes it means taking people out of pain or improving their smile and self image. His ultimate goal is to provide treatments that will lead to a lifetime of healthy teeth. As an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Dr. Wang appreciates the delicate and sophisticated nature of his work and how his clients may find this complexity daunting. He carefully describes their course of treatment and welcomes the close involvement of his clients. He also enjoys getting to know them personally.

After graduating from UC Berkeley, Dr. Wang received his Dental Degree from the Columbia University School of Dentistry. He was later awarded his Medical Degree from Southwestern Medical School. He also speaks Mandarin.

In his free time, Dr. Wang can be found on active adventures. He says, “I enjoy anything outdoors. Especially cycling, rock climbing and running.”

Education

B.S., Biology–UC Berkeley
D.D.S.–Columbia University School of Dentistry
M.D.–Southwestern Medical School

Affiliations

Dr. Gill says, “I enjoy meeting and getting to know all of my patients, and providing them with exceptional dental treatment and oral health knowledge. It’s great to have such a positive impact impact on patients oral health and therefore their overall well-being. I love science and working with my hands. I always knew I would have a career in the health care field serving patience.

After graduating from the University of British Columbia, Dr. Gill received his Dental Degree from the Howard University College of Dentistry. He was awarded his Certificate of Endodontics from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine.

He’s a member of the many organizations including the American Association of Endodontists and the Washington State Association of Endodontists. Dr. Gill also speaks Punjabi and Hindi.

Dr. Gill says, “In my free time, I enjoy an active lifestyle, including playing basketball, running, hiking, and exploring the Pacific Northwest with my wife Nisha and our dog, Kenyon.”

Education

B.Sc., Biology–University of British Columbia
D.D.S.–Howard University College of Dentistry
Certificate of Endodontics–University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine

Affiliations

American Dental Association American Association of Endodontists Washington State Association of Endodontists Washington State Dental Association Seattle King County Dental Society

Ok. So I am terrified of the Dentist. Any dentist. So much so that I avoided going to one for almost a decade. Unfortunately I had a tooth break and was forced to finally go. I went to see Dr Sheppard and I was immediately put at ease by her and her staff. From checking in to the time I was out of the chair they they took my anxiety and fear away and treated me with respect and consideration. They were kind, funny, informative and clear in their explanations. I could not be happier with everyone there. I super highly recommend this office to anyone who has fear of the dentist. Dr Sheppard is fantastic and everyone there is great. Not afraid of the dentist anymore.

Karen Sheppard is an awesome dentist and has gathered an equally awesome staff to support her. I have been going to Gentle Dental in Kirkland for about 27 years now, I think. Since it was Dr. Buffum's practice. I can't recommend them highly enough.

Gentle Dental Kirkland replied on Jan 23, 2018:

Dear Sandra Sumner, Thank you for taking the time to post your kind words. At, Gentle Dental Kirkland, it means a lot to us to know you had a great experience and we look forward to seeing you on your next visit.

I just transferred my three young kids to Dr. Sheppard's care. She is so great with the kids and her staff could not be more professional and welcoming. Her expertise and rational approach to dental care is appreciated. My 8 year old son said "excellent" when I asked him how he would rate his dental appointment.

Gentle Dental Kirkland replied on Jan 12, 2018:

Ellen Barber, we are very happy we could provide you and your children with a positive experience!

Dr Sheppard and her staff are awesome. Very accommodating and I appreciate the personal attention they give my Dad st each visit

Gentle Dental Kirkland replied on Feb 10, 2017:

Dear Setheny How, Thank you for taking the time to post your kind words about our staff. We are excited to share this with the team. At, Gentle Dental Kirkland, it means a lot to us to know you had a great experience and we look forward to seeing you on your next visit.

I LOVE this team of people and actually enjoy going to dentist! Sick and twisted for some folks, maybe but this team just "gets it". A variety of personalities all focused on YOU, the customer and making sure you have a good experience. They utilize services for appointment reminders and I've had great luck getting in earlier when there was a need to do so. I highly recommend this Gentle Dental office and particularly this team.

My wife and I went to gentle dental because it was in our network. I had a cleaning there and my wife had a cleaning and a little work done, I have liked everyone from Kim at the front desk to the dentist. They squeezed me in same day to start my cleaning and the dentist hopped on the job as I would have been waiting for a hygienist. This crew rocks. My wife has agreed with the positive experience. Thanks guys! Bradley and Devoney